Tidal lagoons: call for evidence open until 31 July

Former energy minister Charles Hendry has published a call for evidence on feasibility and practicality of tidal lagoons in the UK. The government announced that the review would report in the autumn and the call for evidence closes on 31 July.

Hendry said the review was not targeted at a particular project, but “I am mindful that Tidal Lagoon Power Ltd, the proposed developers of Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, are in ongoing discussions with government about the terms of a potential Contract for Difference”.

He added, “I am also seeking evidence of other potential sites, developers and opportunities, and the feasibility and practicalities of a wider UK tidal lagoon programme including, but not limited to, environmental and grid issues, navigation and ports impacts, supply chain and export opportunities and financing arrangements.”

The review will cover:

  •  An assessment of whether, and in what circumstances, tidal lagoons could play a cost effective role as part of the UK energy mix;
  •  The potential scale of opportunity in the UK and internationally, including supply chain opportunities;
  •  A range of possible structures for financing tidal lagoons;
  •  Different sizes of projects as the first of a kind;
  •  Whether a competitive framework could be put in place for the delivery of tidal

    lagoon projects.

The full terms of reference for the review are here.

Details of  Responses should be sent to [email protected] by 31 July.

For full details on how the tidal lagoon works and its new and familiar aspects see our earlier article: Swansea’s tidal lagoon – how does it work and where are the costs?

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